Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Las Vegas is 5% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $71,462 in Las Vegas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Las Vegas has a housing index of 106 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Las Vegas costs $350,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Las Vegas versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Las Vegas scores 101 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Las Vegas (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Las Vegas is $56,415 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Las Vegas.
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